Spa footwear and methods for using same

ABSTRACT

Disclosed herein are footwear and systems comprising: a sole, the sole having an insole, an outsole, and a toe portion, the toe portion being configured to separate and releasably secure a wearer&#39;s toes in a predetermined position; and an adjustable strap member attached to a portion of the sole and configured to releasably secure the sandal to a wearer&#39;s foot; and a removable cover having at least one opening defined by an edge, the removable cover being configured to releasably attach to the sandal. Also disclosed herein are method for using the disclosed footwear and systems.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/538,951, filed Jul. 31, 2017, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to devices and systems for spa footwear.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Spa pedicures are a favorite among clients because they are a therapeutic escape in addition to good grooming. The ‘Spa’ Pedicure generally involve the additional use of a small vibrating footbath and spa pedicure products during the pedicure. Commonly, the pedicure procedure will comprise cutting and/or filing the toenails, cuticle removal, removing loose or calloused skin, and application of nail polish. However, during spa pedicures clients regularly complain about or express concern about numerous issues related to the equipment and methods salon use for performing the services. One concern is microbial contamination or colonization of the equipment from prior use, for example, after use by a client having open sores or infections of the foot or leg.

To this end, client often choose or are required to wear foot coverings or footwear during some or all parts of the pedicure. Foot coverings or footwear that are not intended for use during pedicures may affect the feet positioning and orientation, and hinder access to portions of the foot. As a result, the spa worker may have difficulty performing the pedicure, and, for example, cause the spa worker to ‘dig’ into the flesh, cause a break in the skin, possibly allow bacterial or organisms to enter and an infection could occur. Additionally, when painting nails, rolled or folded tissues are often used between the toes to separate the toes. As one can imagine, paper products inevitable becomes dislodged and/or stick to other parts of the foot.

Finally, the removal of dead or calloused skin present many problems. A credo blade or similar device is sometimes used to cut or remove the calloused skin, but can easily result in healthy skin along with the callous skin being removed. Alternatively, a callous liquid or gel can be used to chemically breakdown the skin so it can be removed easier. However, callous liquid or gel contain strong acids and can irritate or damage healthy skin. Callous gel is usually carefully dropped on the area and gently smoothed out using a special application tool. It is generally recommended to cover the surrounding areas to prevent the gel from working on or irritating other areas of skin.

Accordingly, there remains a need improved spa footwear and devices which address the foregoing issues. This need and other needs are satisfied by the various aspects of the present disclosure.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the purposes of the invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, the invention, in one aspect, relates to footwear and systems for use in a spa environment, such as during a spa pedicure.

In an exemplary aspect, the invention relates to a shoe for use in a spa environment, the shoe comprising: a sandal, the sandal assembly comprising: a sole, the sole having an insole, an outsole, and a toe insole portion, the toe insole portion being configured to separate and releasably secure a wearer's toes in a predetermined position; and an adjustable strap member attached to a portion of the sole and configured to releasably secure the sandal to a wearer's foot; and a removable cover having at least one opening defined by an edge, the removable cover being configured to releasably attach to the sandal.

In another exemplary aspect, the invention relates to a footwear system for use in a spa environment, the system comprising: a sandal, the sandal assembly comprising: a sole, the sole having an insole, an outsole, and a raised portion, the raised portion being configured to separate and releasably secure a wearer's toes in a predetermined position; an adjustable strap member attached to a portion of the sole and configured to releasably secure the sandal to a wearer's foot; a removable cover having at least one opening defined by an edge, the removable cover being configured to releasably attach to the sandal; and a cup configured to hold a portion of the wearer's foot and releasably attach to a portion of the sole, the cup or raised portion comprising a callous-removing material disposed on an inner surface.

In further aspects, the invention also relates to methods for using the disclosed footwear, devices, and systems.

Additional aspects of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or can be learned by practice of the invention. The advantages of the invention will be realized and attained by means of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate several aspects of the invention and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

FIGS. 1A-1C show depictions of an article of footwear for use in a spa environment in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 2A-2C show depictions of an article of footwear for use in a spa environment in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 3A-3C show depictions of an article of footwear for use in a spa environment in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 4A-4B show depictions of user wearing an article of footwear for use in a spa environment in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 5A-5C show depictions of a sandal of a footwear system for use in a spa environment in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 6A-6D show depictions of a sandal of a footwear system for use in a spa environment in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 7A-7B show depictions of user wearing a sandal of a footwear system for use in a spa environment in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 8A-8C show depictions of a sandal of a footwear system for use in a spa environment in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 9A-9B shows a depiction of a sole of an article of footwear for use in a spa environment in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention can be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of the invention and the Examples included therein.

Before the present articles, systems, devices, and/or methods are disclosed and described, it is to be understood that they are not limited to specific manufacturing methods unless otherwise specified, or to particular materials unless otherwise specified, as such can, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only and is not intended to be limiting. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, example methods and materials are now described.

Moreover, it is to be understood that unless otherwise expressly stated, it is in no way intended that any method set forth herein be construed as requiring that its steps be performed in a specific order. Accordingly, where a method claim does not actually recite an order to be followed by its steps or it is not otherwise specifically stated in the claims or descriptions that the steps are to be limited to a specific order, it is no way intended that an order be inferred, in any respect. This holds for any possible non-express basis for interpretation, including: matters of logic with respect to arrangement of steps or operational flow; plain meaning derived from grammatical organization or punctuation; and the number or type of aspects described in the specification.

All publications mentioned herein are incorporated herein by reference to disclose and describe the methods and/or materials in connection with which the publications are cited.

A. Definitions

It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only and is not intended to be limiting. As used in the specification and in the claims, the term “comprising” can include the aspects “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of” Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. In this specification and in the claims which follow, reference will be made to a number of terms which shall be defined herein.

As used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “an aperture” includes two or more apertures.

Ranges can be expressed herein as from one particular value, and/or to another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another aspect includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent ‘about,’ it will be understood that the particular value forms another aspect. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint. It is also understood that there are a number of values disclosed herein, and that each value is also herein disclosed as “about” that particular value in addition to the value itself. For example, if the value “10” is disclosed, then “about 10” is also disclosed. It is also understood that each unit between two particular units are also disclosed. For example, if 10 and 15 are disclosed, then 11, 12, 13, and 14 are also disclosed.

As used herein, the terms “about” and “at or about” mean that the amount or value in question can be the value designated some other value approximately or about the same. It is generally understood, as used herein, that it is the nominal value indicated ±10% variation unless otherwise indicated or inferred. The term is intended to convey that similar values promote equivalent results or effects recited in the claims. That is, it is understood that amounts, sizes, formulations, parameters, and other quantities and characteristics are not and need not be exact, but can be approximate and/or larger or smaller, as desired, reflecting tolerances, conversion factors, rounding off, measurement error and the like, and other factors known to those of skill in the art. In general, an amount, size, formulation, parameter or other quantity or characteristic is “about” or “approximate” whether or not expressly stated to be such. It is understood that where “about” is used before a quantitative value, the parameter also includes the specific quantitative value itself, unless specifically stated otherwise.

The terms “first,” “second,” “first part,” “second part,” and the like, where used herein, do not denote any order, quantity, or importance, and are used to distinguish one element from another, unless specifically stated otherwise.

As used herein, the terms “optional” or “optionally” means that the subsequently described event or circumstance can or cannot occur, and that the description includes instances where said event or circumstance occurs and instances where it does not. For example, the phrase “optionally affixed to the surface” means that it can or cannot be fixed to a surface.

As used herein, the term “footwear” means any type of wearing apparel for the feet, and this term includes, but is not limited to: all types of shoes, boots, sneakers, sandals, thongs, flip-flops, mules, scuffs, slippers, sport-specific shoes (such as running shoes, cross training shoes, golf shoes, basketball shoes, tennis shoes, baseball cleats, soccer or football cleats, ski boots, etc.), and can include any device into which a user places at least some portion of his or her foot.

Moreover, it is to be understood that unless otherwise expressly stated, it is in no way intended that any method set forth herein be construed as requiring that its steps be performed in a specific order. Accordingly, where a method claim does not actually recite an order to be followed by its steps or it is not otherwise specifically stated in the claims or descriptions that the steps are to be limited to a specific order, it is no way intended that an order be inferred, in any respect. This holds for any possible non-express basis for interpretation, including: matters of logic with respect to arrangement of steps or operational flow; plain meaning derived from grammatical organization or punctuation; and the number or type of aspects described in the specification.

Disclosed are the components to be used to manufacture the disclosed devices and articles of the invention as well as the materials themselves to be used within the methods disclosed herein. These and other materials are disclosed herein, and it is understood that when combinations, subsets, interactions, groups, etc. of these materials are disclosed that while specific reference of each various individual and collective combinations and permutation of these materials cannot be explicitly disclosed, each is specifically contemplated and described herein. For example, if a particular material is disclosed and discussed and a number of modifications that can be made to the materials are discussed, specifically contemplated is each and every combination and permutation of the material and the modifications that are possible unless specifically indicated to the contrary. Thus, if a class of materials A, B, and C are disclosed as well as a class of materials D, E, and F and an example of a combination material, A-D is disclosed, then even if each is not individually recited each is individually and collectively contemplated meaning combinations, A-E, A-F, B-D, B-E, B-F, C-D, C-E, and C-F are considered disclosed. Likewise, any subset or combination of these is also disclosed. Thus, for example, the sub-group of A-E, B-F, and C-E would be considered disclosed. This concept applies to all aspects of this application including, but not limited to, steps in methods of making and using the articles and devices of the invention. Thus, if there are a variety of additional steps that can be performed it is understood that each of these additional steps can be performed with any specific aspect or combination of aspects of the methods of the invention.

It is understood that the devices and systems disclosed herein have certain functions. Disclosed herein are certain structural requirements for performing the disclosed functions, and it is understood that there are a variety of structures that can perform the same function that are related to the disclosed structures, and that these structures will typically achieve the same result.

B. Spa Footwear and System

As briefly described above, the present disclosure relates, in various aspects, to footwear and systems for use in a spa environment, such as during a spa pedicure, or the like. In one aspect, the present disclosure provides an article of footwear, such as a shoe, for use in a spa environment, the shoe comprising: a sandal assembly, the sandal assembly comprising: a sole, the sole having an insole, an outsole, and a raised portion, the raised portion being configured to separate and releasably secure a wearer's toes in a predetermined position; and an adjustable strap member attached to a portion of the sole and configured to releasably secure the sandal assembly to a wearer's foot; and a removable cover having at least one opening defined by an edge, the removable cover being configured to releasably attach to the sandal. In further aspects, the shoe may further comprise a cup configured to hold a portion of the wearer's foot. In some aspects, the cup can be configured to hold a portion of the wearer's heel or ball of the foot or combinations thereof. In other aspects, the cup can be configured to releasably attach to a portion of the sole.

In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a footwear system for use in a spa environment, the system comprising: a sandal, the sandal assembly comprising: a sole, the sole having an insole, an outsole, and a raised portion, the raised portion being configured to separate and releasably secure a wearer's toes in a predetermined position; an adjustable strap member attached to a portion of the sole and configured to releasably secure the sandal to a wearer's foot; a removable cover having at least one opening defined by an edge, the removable cover being configured to releasably attach to the sandal; and a cup configured to hold a portion of the wearer's foot and releasably attach to a portion of the sole, the cup and raised portion comprising a callous-removing material disposed on an inner surface.

In various aspects, the system, sandal and removable cover can comprise many various configurations and shapes. In further aspects, the sole may comprise a toe portion. In yet further aspect, the toe portion may comprise at least one of a raised portion and a recessed portion. In even further aspects, the raised portion can comprise a plurality of elongated spacing members. In still further aspects, the raised portion and elongated members can be integrally formed with the sole. In yet further aspects, the elongated spacing members can be configured for insertion between the wearer's toes. In further aspects, the spacing members can be connected to an inner surface of the sole. In still further aspects, the spacing members can be connected to the insole the sole. In yet further aspects, the spacing members can be integrally connected to the inner surface of the sole. In various aspects, a portion of the spacing members can each extend outward a predetermined direction at a predetermined angle, for example, at an angle in the range of from about 15 degrees to about 120 degrees.

In various aspects, the shoe, sole, cover, and system can comprise a plurality of adjustable strap members having first and second opposed ends. In further aspects, at least a portion of each strap member can be connected to a portion the removable cover, or a portion of the sole, or a combination thereof. In some aspects, the plurality of strap member members can be detachably connected. In other aspects, the plurality of strap members is not connected. In further aspects, the strap members can comprise a plurality of connection points for attaching to the shoe.

In various aspects, the position of the strap members can be configured or changed with respect to the cover and sole to permit changes to the characteristics of the article of footwear or other foot-receiving devices. For example, the strap members can be located on each side near the ball of the feet. In still further aspects, the strap members can be adjustable for girth adjustment.

In various aspects, the removable cover may comprise at least one adjustable strap member configured to releasably secure the removable cover to the sandal. In further aspects, the adjustable strap member of the sandal can be configured to have an open position and a closed position. In yet further aspects, the open position of the adjustable strap member of the sandal can be configured to allow a wearer's foot to be inserted or placed onto the sandal. In still further aspects, the closed position of the adjustable strap member of the sandal can be configured to secure the sandal to the wearer's foot.

In further aspects, the adjustable strap member of the removable cover can be configured to have an open position and a closed position. In still further aspects, the open position of the adjustable strap member of the removable cover can be configured to allow the sandal to be inserted into the removable cover or the removable cover to be placed over the sandal. In yet further aspects, the closed position of the adjustable strap member of the removable cover can be configured to secure the removable cover to the sandal. In even further aspects, the closed position of the adjustable strap member of the removable cover can be configured to secure the removable cover to the sandal.

In further aspects, the sole or removable cover can comprise a first and second strap member. In some aspects, the first and second strap members are detachably connected. In still further aspects, at least one end of the first and second strap members are connected to the sole or removable cover. In yet further aspects, the ends of the first and second strap members can be connected to different portions of the sole or cover. In still further aspects, at least one end of a strap member can be detachably connected to an end of another strap member. For example, the end of a first strap member can be connected to a first portion of the sole and a second end of the first strap member can be detachably connected to an end of a second strap member.

In various aspects, the outsole can comprise a heel portion or a toe portion, or a combination thereof. In further aspects, the outsole may comprise a groove or recessed portion configured to nestably receive or retain a strap member. In still further aspects, when a strap member is retained in the recessed portion, the outer surface of the strap member is below the surface of the remaining portions of the outsole. To this end, the outermost surface of recessed portion of sole does not extend beyond an outermost surface of the other portions of sole. In some aspects, the recessed portion can be positioned between the heel portion and the toe portion. In other aspects, the recessed portion can be sized and dimensioned to substantially correspond to the strap member of the removable cover.

Since in various aspects, the sandal may contact the ground, the outsole of the sandal can comprise a surface-contacting portion configured to contact the ground, such as, for example, a shoe-sole like bottom used for traction. In some aspects, the surface-contacting portion can be configured or angled to maximize surface area contact with a surface when the shoe is moved toward the surface.

In further aspects, the sole can be comprised of suitable and conventional materials configured to provide long wear, traction, and protect the foot and/or to prevent the remainder of the footwear or foot-receiving device structure from impacts effects when contacting the ground or other surface in use.

In further aspects, the removable cover can comprise a plurality of openings. In still further aspects, the removable cover can comprise a first opening and a second opening. In yet further aspects, the removable cover can be configured to releasably attach to an outer edge of the sole. In even further aspects, at least one opening edge of the removable cover can be configured to releasably attach to an outer edge of the sole. In still further aspects, at least one opening of the removable cover can be configured to substantially correspond to an outer edge of the sole.

In further aspects, the size of at least one opening of the removable cover can be configured to be sufficiently smaller than an outermost edge of the sole such that when the removable cover is positioned over the sandal, longitudinal and traverse movement of the removable cover is substantially prevented. In still further aspects, the removable cover may be held in place with tension or friction fit, for example, by using a stretch material to produce the cover. In yet further aspects, the removable cover may be releasably attached using a connecting means. In even further aspects, the connecting means may define the outermost edge of at least one opening. In still further aspects, the removable cover may further comprise a collar about the opening, the collar being made of an elastic material.

In various aspects, the sandal can be removably mounted in the removable cover, e.g., to allow interchange and/or replacement of cover or sandal. Such configurations allow users, purchasers, retailers, or others to select desired properties in a footwear structure, e.g., for customization purposes, for personal preferences, to match desired use or a user's physical characteristics, to repair or replace defective or damaged covers or spacing members, etc. To this end, the present invention is designed to prevent damage sustained in the spa environment, such as from high water temperatures, pathogens, and the like. According to various aspects, use and configuration of the removable cover can insulate the skin from exposure to the various elements. In further aspects, at least some portions of the removable cover will be directly in contact with the skin of a wearer's foot, thereby insulating the skin from exposure to elements, such as, for example, extreme temperatures. In this aspect, portions of the removable cover can act like a sock. In further aspects, substantially all of the removable cover is configured to be in direct contact with the skin of the wearer's foot. In yet further aspects, the portions of the removable cover corresponding to the area over the toes is configured to not be in contact with the user's toes. In still further aspects, the portions of the removable cover corresponding to the area over the toes is configured to maintain a shape effective to prevent touching a wearer's toes. In even further aspects, the portions of the removable cover corresponding to the area over the toes can be configured to maintain a shape effective to prevent touching a wearer's toes, while the remaining portions of the removable cover is configured to be in direct contact with the skin of the wearer foot. To this end, the majority of foot that are more sensitive to stimuli can be protected, while the toes, which are generally some of the less sensitive portions of the foot, are still positioned and configured within the present footwear to facilitate and protect the nails for manicured and related toe activities (e.g., painting, etc.).

By way of non-limiting example, the cover can be made of an insulating material that can protect a wearer's foot against harsh temperatures and conditions. In further aspects, the shoe components can be comprised of an anti-microbial material and/or treated with an antimicrobial treatment. Anti-microbial treatments can be added in a number of ways including as a coating to the finished fabric or fiber or by incorporating the antimicrobial agent within the fiber during the spinning process, as in the manufacturing of polyester and nylon.

In further aspects, the cover or strap members can be comprised of fabric, cloth, plastic, woven or non-woven, natural or synthetic, leather, polyurethane, microfiber leather, faux leather and polyurethane leather, nylon, cotton or the like, and combinations thereof. In some aspects, the cover or strap members can be comprised of a blend of synthetic and breathable natural materials. In other aspects, the materials comprise organic materials.

In further aspects, the sole can be comprised of any suitable material, such as, for example, rubber, high density cushioning foam, softer insoles made of foam and fabric, or other material adapted for softer landing. For example, and without limitation, the insole may be comprised of EVA, and the outsole may be comprised of a compression molded rubber. In some aspects, the sole may comprise a tread pattern to provide traction. In other aspects, the sole may contain a flat bottom and in other aspects it may have designed groove patterns to minimize the use of materials to only the essential areas. In further aspects, portions of the sole or cup may comprise a callous-removing material disposed on an inner surface. In still further aspects, the callous-removing material may comprise a gel. In yet further aspects, the sole may further comprise a moisturizing agent disposed on the surface or impregnated within a portion of the insole. In even further aspects, the moisturizing agent may be configured to soften the bottom of a wearer's foot when in contact with the insole for an effective period of time.

In various aspects, the components of the disclosed devices and footwear can be releasably connected. In further aspects, the components can be connected by a connecting means. In still further aspects, the connecting means can comprise a fitting, insert, adhesive, brazing, soldering, welding, spot weld, screw with nut, rivet, threading, friction fit, snap-fit, twist-lock, or interlocking mechanism or a combination thereof. In yet further aspects, the connection can be achieved using a snap, friction fitting, snap ring, O-ring, pressure fitting, clip, clasp, and the like. The snap ring or O-ring can be retained within a groove to accommodate the snap ring or O-ring. In a further aspect, the system can comprise an engagement means for coupling and holding components together. In a further aspect, the engagement means can be a screwing mechanism, a click-lock mechanism, or friction mechanism, or the like.

In a still further aspect, the components can be integrally or mechanically attached to other components. In a yet further aspect, the disclosed components can be connected, attached, or mounted using a connecting means, the connecting means comprising a fitting, insert, adhesive, brazing, soldering, welding, spot weld, screw with nut, rivet, fitting, insert, threading, friction fit, or snap-fit or a combination thereof.

Also disclosed herein are methods of using the disclosed footwear and systems.

According to various aspects of the invention, the spa footwear, devices, and systems of the present disclosure can comprise multiple configurations. For example, various exemplary embodiments of the inventive footwear, devices, and systems are shown in FIGS. 1A-9B.

In further aspects, FIGS. 1A-3C show various features and components of an exemplary article of footwear 100 for use in a spa environment, the footwear 100 comprising a sandal 102 and a removable cover 114 configured to be releasably secured to the sandal 102. The sandal 102 comprises a sole 104, the sole 104 having an insole 106, an outsole 108, and a toe portion 110 configured to separate and releasably secure a wearer's toes in a predetermined position, and a first securing means in the form of an adjustable strap member 112 attached to a portion of the sole 104 and configured to releasably secure the sandal 102 to a wearer's foot. The removable cover 114 comprises first and second openings, each opening defined by an edge, and a second securing means in the form of an adjustable strap member 116 used to secure the removable cover 114 to the sandal 102. In this exemplary embodiment, the bottom opening edge of the removable cover 114 substantially corresponds to an outer edge of the sole 104, and is releasably secured to the outer edge of the sole 104, and held in place with tension fit, but could comprise a collar about the opening, the collar being made of an elastic material. The removable cover 114 uses a Velcro adjustable strap member 116 to releasably secure the removable cover 114 to the sandal 102. When in the open position, the adjustable strap member 116 of the removable cover 114 allows the sandal 102 to be inserted into the removable cover 114 or the removable cover 114 to be placed over the sandal 102, depending on the opening chosen by the wearer. After insertion, the adjustable strap member 116 of the removable cover 114 is moved to the closed position to secure the removable cover 114 to the sandal 102, and can be used to adjust for girth. FIGS. 4A-4B depict the footwear 100 secured to a user's foot. In further aspects, the size of bottom opening of the removable cover 114 is sufficiently smaller than an outermost edge of the sole 102 such that when the removable cover 114 is positioned over the sandal 102, longitudinal and traverse movement of the removable cover 114 is substantially prevented.

In further aspects, FIGS. 5A-6D show various features and components of an exemplary sandal 102 for use in the disclosed spa footwear and systems. The sandal 102 comprises a sole 104 comprising an insole 106 featuring a toe portion 110 configured to separate and releasably secure a wearer's toes in a predetermined position, and securing means in the form of a Velcro adjustable strap member 112 that can open to allow a wearer's foot to be inserted or placed onto the sandal 102, and closed to secure the sandal 102 to the wearer's foot. As shown in FIG. 6C, the toe portion 110 in some embodiments can take the form of a built-in raised portion with a plurality of elongated spacing members 111 adapted for insertion between the wearer's toes. As shown in FIG. 6D, the toe portion 110 in other embodiments can take the form of a built-in recessed portion with a plurality of grooves 121 adapted for placement of a toe within each groove, and elevated segments between each groove to keep the toes separated. FIGS. 7A-7B depict the sandal 102 secured to a user's foot. The outsole 108 comprises a raised heel portion 109 b, a raised toe portion 109 c, and a recessed portion 109 a, the recessed portion 109 a configured to nestably retain the strap member 116 of the removable cover 114 in the closed position. The recessed portion 109 a is sized and dimensioned to substantially correspond to the strap member 116 of the removable cover 114, and when a strap member 116 is retained in the recessed portion 109 a, the outer surface of the strap member 116 is below the outer surface of the remaining portions of the outsole 108, such as the raised heel portion 109 b and raised toe portion 109 c.

In further aspects, FIGS. 8A-9B show various features and components of an exemplary sandal 102 and sole 104 for use in the disclosed spa footwear and systems. According to various embodiments of the invention, a sandal 102 and/or sole 104 may comprise a cup 118 configured to hold a portion of the wearer's foot, for example, wearer's heel or ball. The cup 118 may be configured to releasably attach to a portion of the sandal 102 or sole 104. The cup 118 (and optionally the raised portion 110) can comprise a callous-removing material 128, such as a gel, disposed on an inner surface. To this end, the callous-removing material 128 can be applied by any wearer to their foot easily by simply wearing a disclosed article of footwear comprising a cup 118. When worn by the user, the cup maintains the callous-removing material against the portion of foot to allow the callous-removing material to act upon the surface of the foot. The cup 118 can be disposable, and may be packaged separately from the sandal 102 or sole 104 in a sealed pouch. Alternatively, the callous-removing material 128 may be in the form of a bandage-like pad that can be folded onto heel.

The present invention includes at least the following aspects: Aspect 1: An article of footwear for use in a spa environment, the footwear comprising: a sandal comprising: a sole, the sole having an insole, an outsole, and a raised portion, the toe portion being configured to separate and releasably secure a wearer's toes in a predetermined position; and an adjustable strap member attached to a portion of the sole and configured to releasably secure the sandal to a wearer's foot; and a removable cover having a first opening defined by a first edge, a second opening defined by a second edge, and at least one strap member connected to the second edge, the removable cover being configured to releasably secure to the sandal using the at least one strap member.

Aspect 2: The footwear of aspect 1, further comprising a cup configured to hold a portion of the wearer's foot.

Aspect 3: A footwear system for use in a spa environment, the shoe comprising: a sandal comprising: a sole, the sole having an insole, an outsole, and a toe portion, the toe portion being configured to separate and releasably secure a wearer's toes in a predetermined position, and an adjustable strap member attached to a portion of the sole and configured to releasably secure the sandal to a wearer's foot; a removable cover having at least one opening defined by an edge, the removable cover being configured to releasably attach to the sandal; and a cup configured to hold a portion of the wearer's foot and releasably attach to a portion of the sole, the cup or raised portion comprising a callous-removing material disposed on an inner surface.

Aspect 4: The footwear or system of any preceding aspect, wherein the cup is configured to hold a portion of the wearer's heel or ball of the foot or combinations thereof.

Aspect 5: The footwear or system of any preceding aspect, wherein the cup is configured to releasably attach to a portion of the sole.

Aspect 6: The footwear or system of any preceding aspect, wherein the toe portion comprises at least one of a raised portion and a recessed portion.

Aspect 7: The footwear or system of any preceding aspect, wherein the raised portion comprises a plurality of elongated spacing members, the elongated spacing members being configured for insertion between the wearer's toes.

Aspect 8: The footwear or system of any preceding aspect, wherein the elongated members are integrally formed with the sole.

Aspect 9: The footwear or system of any preceding aspect, wherein the adjustable strap member of the sandal is configured to have an open position and a closed position.

Aspect 10: The footwear or system of any preceding aspect, wherein the open position of the adjustable strap member of the sandal is configured to allow a wearer's foot to be inserted or placed onto the sandal.

Aspect 11: The footwear or system of any preceding aspect, wherein the closed position of the adjustable strap member of the sandal is configured to secured the sandal to the wearer's foot.

Aspect 12: The footwear or system of any preceding aspect, wherein the outsole comprises a heel portion and a toe portion.

Aspect 13: The footwear or system of any preceding aspect, wherein the outsole comprises a groove or recessed portion configured to nestably receive or retain a strap member.

Aspect 14: The footwear or system of any preceding aspect, wherein when a strap member is retained in the recessed portion, the outer surface of the strap member is below the surface of the remaining portions of the outsole.

Aspect 15: The footwear or system of any preceding aspect, wherein the recessed portion is between the heel portion and the toe portion.

Aspect 16: The footwear or system of any preceding aspect, wherein the recessed portion is sized and dimensioned to substantially correspond to the strap member of the removable cover.

Aspect 17: The footwear or system of any preceding aspect, wherein the removable cover comprises a plurality of openings.

Aspect 18: The footwear or system of any preceding aspect, wherein the removable cover comprises a first opening and a second opening.

Aspect 19: The footwear or system of any preceding aspect, wherein the removable cover is configured to releasably attach to an outer edge of the sole.

Aspect 20: The footwear or system of any preceding aspect, wherein at least one opening edge of the removable cover is configured to releasably attach to an outer edge of the sole.

Aspect 21: The footwear or system of any preceding aspect, wherein at least one opening of the removable cover is configured to substantially correspond to an outer edge of the sole.

Aspect 22: The footwear or system of any preceding aspect, wherein the size of at least one opening of the removable cover is configured to be sufficiently smaller than an outermost edge of the sole such that when the removable cover is positioned over the sandal, longitudinal and traverse movement of the removable cover is substantially prevented.

Aspect 23: The footwear or system of any preceding aspect, wherein the removable cover is held in place with tension or friction fit.

Aspect 24: The footwear or system of any preceding aspect, wherein the removable cover is releasably attached using a connecting means.

Aspect 25: The footwear or system of any preceding aspect, wherein the connecting means defines the outermost edge of at least one opening.

Aspect 26: The footwear or system of any preceding aspect, the removable cover further comprising a collar about the opening, the collar being made of an elastic material.

Aspect 27: The footwear or system of any preceding aspect, the removable cover further comprising at least one adjustable strap member configured to releasably secure the removable cover to the sandal.

Aspect 28: The footwear or system of any preceding aspect, wherein the adjustable strap member of the removable cover is configured to have an open position and a closed position.

Aspect 29: The footwear or system of any preceding aspect, wherein the open position of the adjustable strap member of the removable cover is configured to allow the sandal to be inserted into the removable cover or the removable cover to be placed over the sandal.

Aspect 30: The footwear or system of any preceding aspect, wherein the closed position of the adjustable strap member of the removable cover is configured to secure the removable cover to the sandal.

Aspect 31: The footwear or system of any preceding aspect, wherein the closed position of the adjustable strap member of the removable cover is configured to secure the removable cover to the sandal.

Aspect 32: The footwear or system of any preceding aspect, wherein the adjustable strap member is adjustable for girth adjustment.

Aspect 33: The footwear or system of any preceding aspect, wherein the insole is comprised of ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA).

Aspect 34: The footwear or system of any preceding aspect, wherein the outsole is comprised of a compression molded rubber.

Aspect 35: The footwear or system of any preceding aspect, wherein the removable cover is comprised of a stretch material.

Aspect 36: The footwear or system of any preceding aspect, wherein the removable cover comprises a structural component configured to maintain a predetermined distance from a user's toes.

Aspect 37: The footwear or system of any preceding aspect, wherein the strap member is comprised of neoprene, fabric, or a combination thereof.

Aspect 38: The footwear or system of any preceding aspect, wherein the cup, raised portion, or insole comprises a callous-removing material disposed on an inner surface.

Aspect 39: The footwear or system of any preceding aspect, wherein the callous-removing material comprises a gel.

Aspect 40: The footwear or system of any preceding aspect, wherein the sandal and/or cover is comprised of an antimicrobial material.

Aspect 41: The footwear or system of any preceding aspect, wherein the sandal and/or cover comprises an antimicrobial treatment.

Aspect 42: The footwear or system of any preceding aspect, wherein the recessed portion of the sole comprises a plurality of grooves configured for insertion of a wearer's toes.

Aspect 43: The footwear or system of any preceding aspect, wherein the recessed portion of the sole comprises elevated segments configured to disposed between the wearer's toes.

While aspects of the present invention can be described and claimed in a particular statutory class, such as the system statutory class, this is for convenience only and one of skill in the art will understand that each aspect of the present invention can be described and claimed in any statutory class. Unless otherwise expressly stated, it is in no way intended that any method or aspect set forth herein be construed as requiring that its steps be performed in a specific order. Accordingly, where a method claim does not specifically state in the claims or descriptions that the steps are to be limited to a specific order, it is no way appreciably intended that an order be inferred, in any respect. This holds for any possible non-express basis for interpretation, including matters of logic with respect to arrangement of steps or operational flow, plain meaning derived from grammatical organization or punctuation, or the number or type of aspects described in the specification.

Throughout this application, various publications are referenced. The disclosures of these publications in their entireties are hereby incorporated by reference into this application in order to more fully describe the state of the art to which this pertains. The references disclosed are also individually and specifically incorporated by reference herein for the material contained in them that is discussed in the sentence in which the reference is relied upon. Nothing herein is to be construed as an admission that the present invention is not entitled to antedate such publication by virtue of prior invention. Further, the dates of publication provided herein can be different from the actual publication dates, which can require independent confirmation.

The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and can include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims. 

What is claimed:
 1. An article of footwear for use in a spa environment, the footwear comprising: a) a sandal, the sandal comprising: i) a sole having an insole, an outsole, and a toe portion, the toe portion being configured to separate and releasably secure a wearer's toes in a predetermined position; and ii) an adjustable strap member attached to a portion of the sole and configured to releasably secure the sandal to a wearer's foot; and b) a removable cover having a first opening defined by a first edge, a second opening defined by a second edge, and at least one strap member connected to the second edge, the removable cover being configured to releasably secure to the sandal using the at least one strap member of the removable cover.
 2. The footwear of claim 1, wherein the toe portion comprises at least one of a raised portion and a recessed portion.
 3. The footwear of claim 2, wherein the toe portion comprises a recessed portion, the recessed portion comprising a plurality of grooves configured for insertion of a wearer's toes.
 4. The footwear of claim 3, wherein the recessed portion comprises elevated segments configured to be disposed between the wearer's toes for separating the wearer's toes.
 5. The footwear of claim 2, wherein the toe portion comprises a raised portion comprising a plurality of elongated spacing members configured for insertion between the wearer's toes.
 6. The footwear of claim 2, further comprising a heel cup releasably attached to a portion of the sole, the heel cup comprising a callous-removing material and configured to hold a portion of the wearer's heel.
 7. The footwear of claim 6, wherein the outsole comprises a heel portion, a toe portion, and a recessed portion, the recessed portion of the outsole is configured to nestably receive at least one strap member of the removeable cover.
 8. The footwear of claim 7, wherein when the at least one strap member of the removable cover is retained in the recessed portion; and wherein an outer surface of the strap member is below an outermost surface of the remaining portions of the outsole.
 9. The footwear of claim 8, wherein a size of the second opening of the removable cover is configured to be sufficiently smaller than an outermost edge of the sole such that when the removable cover is positioned over the sandal, longitudinal and traverse movement of the removable cover is substantially prevented.
 10. The footwear of claim 9, wherein the removable cover is held in place with tension or friction fit.
 11. The footwear of claim 10, wherein the removable cover comprises a structural component configured to maintain a predetermined distance from contacting a wearer's toes.
 12. A footwear system for use in a spa environment, the system comprising: a) a sandal comprising: i) a sole having an insole, an outsole, and a toe portion, the raised portion being configured to separate and releasably secure a wearer's toes in a predetermined position, and ii) an adjustable strap member attached to a portion of the sole and configured to releasably secure the sandal to a wearer's foot; b) a removable cover having at least one opening defined by an edge, the removable cover being configured to releasably attach to the sandal using a strap member; and c) a heel cup configured to hold a portion of the wearer's heel and releasably attach to a portion of the sole, the heel cup comprising a callous-removing material disposed on an inner surface.
 13. The system of claim 12, wherein the toe portion comprises a recessed portion, the recessed portion comprising a plurality of grooves configured for insertion of a wearer's toes.
 14. The system of claim 13, wherein the recessed portion comprises elevated segments configured to be disposed between the wearer's toes for separating the wearer's toes.
 15. The system of claim 14, wherein the outsole comprises a heel portion, a toe portion, and a recessed portion, the recessed portion of the outsole is configured to nestably receive at least one strap member of the removeable cover.
 16. The system of claim 15, wherein when the strap member of the removable cover is retained in the recessed portion; and wherein an outer surface of the strap member is below an outermost surface of the remaining portions of the outsole.
 17. The system of claim 16, wherein when the removable cover is positioned over the sandal, longitudinal and traverse movement of the removable cover is prevented.
 18. The system of claim 17, wherein the removable cover is held in place with tension or friction fit.
 19. The system of claim 18, wherein the removable cover and comprises a structural component configured to maintain a predetermined distance from contacting a wearer's toes.
 20. The system of claim 19, wherein the system comprises an antimicrobial treatment. 